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Preschem Aussie Clear is a penetrating, oil-based exterior timber finish. Choose the original formula for most mid- to dark-coloured hardwoods and Aussie Clear Light for blond- to mid-tone timber. A sound result depends more on correct timber selection, surface preparation, removal of excess oil and sufficient drying time than on applying a thick film.
What is Aussie Clear exterior oil finish?
Aussie Clear is a lightly pigmented exterior timber oil made to soak into wood rather than leave a continuous surface film. Preschem describes it as a transparent-looking finish containing transparent iron-oxide pigments. The colour is intended to enrich the grain and help limit the blackening and weathered appearance that exposed timber can develop.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBecause it is a penetrating oil, it behaves differently from a clear exterior varnish or polyurethane. It does not create the same hard, buildable film, so peeling and flaking are not expected in the way they can be with a failed film coating. That does not make the finish maintenance-free: colour fades with exposure, and repeated oiling without removing excess can create a surface buildup that holds dirt or encourages mould.
Preschem’s UV, mould-resistance, weathering and Australian-made statements are manufacturer claims. The available material does not provide an independent controlled comparison with other coatings, so treat those claims as product positioning rather than laboratory rankings.
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Which Aussie Clear version suits your timber?
The practical choice is mainly about the timber’s natural colour. The two products are not presented as a universal “strong” and “weak” performance pair; they use different pigment levels and are intended to produce different appearances.
| Product | Manufacturer’s recommended timber tone | Examples named by Preschem | Typical visual description | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Clear | Mid- to dark-tone timber | Merbau, Spotted Gum, Jarrah and Ironbark | Warm honey-brown; higher pigment density | Recommendations, not an absolute compatibility boundary |
| Aussie Clear Light | Blond- to mid-tone timber | Blackbutt, Silvertop Ash, Cypress and Cedar | “Wet straw” appearance, according to the product page | Can be used on dark timber, but Preschem does not recommend that choice for maximum longevity |
The 2013 Product Data Sheet overlaps some species between its guidance and the current product description. That is why the table should be read as a starting recommendation rather than a strict species list. Timber can vary considerably by age, cut, exposure and previous coating. Test the chosen product on an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry before committing to a whole deck or façade.
What if the timber is treated pine?
Do not assume a clear-looking oil is suitable for every treated product. Preschem’s Product Data Sheet specifically directs users to use Preschem Treated Pine Clear, not Aussie Clear, on CCA, LOSP, ACQ or Tanalised treated pine. Confirm the treatment type from the supplier or construction documents before coating.
How to prepare timber before applying Aussie Clear
The preparation instructions below come from Preschem’s Product Data Sheet dated 11 November 2013. The sheet is the cited source for these procedures and specifications; check the container label and any newer technical sheet before starting.
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- Confirm the substrate. Identify the wood species, tone and whether it is treated pine. Select the original or Light variant accordingly, and use the separate treated-pine product where the data sheet requires it.
- Remove dirt and contamination. The timber must be dry and free of dirt, grease and wax. Sweep decks thoroughly, clean embedded grime and remove any residue that could prevent oil penetration.
- Strip old film coatings. Previously painted or varnished surfaces must be stripped. Applying oil over a remaining film can produce uneven absorption and unreliable adhesion.
- Correct weathering. Badly weathered timber should be sanded or cleaned with a suitable wood cleaner. The TDS refers to a cleaner containing oxalic acid; follow the cleaner’s own dilution, dwell-time and rinsing directions.
- Allow the wood to dry fully. Do not apply to damp timber. Also avoid application when dew or rain is expected, because moisture can interfere with penetration and extend drying.
- Plan around waxy species. Waxy timber such as Merbau may need initial weathering for up to three months. This allows surface extractives to diminish before oiling and can reduce an uneven or slow-drying result.
Do not use the product as a general interior finish: the manufacturer does not recommend ordinary interior application. Water-based paint should not be applied directly over a fresh Aussie Clear application because adhesion may be unsatisfactory.
How to apply Aussie Clear to a deck or other exterior timber
Preschem allows brush, roller, spray or dip application. For decking, the TDS recommends a lambswool applicator, which can spread oil evenly across boards while working along the grain. Spraying requires particular care to control vapour, overspray and nearby exposure.
- Protect the work area. Cover adjacent walls, masonry, plants and surfaces that should not receive oil. Keep people and animals away during application and drying.
- Stir the product thoroughly. Pigments can settle. Mix until the colour is uniform, and continue occasional stirring so the first and last areas receive a consistent blend.
- Work in manageable sections. Begin at an edge or natural break and maintain a wet working area to reduce lap marks. Follow the grain on boards and avoid leaving puddles in joints or low spots.
- Apply one generous coat. This is the manufacturer’s core instruction: “Apply one generous coat of AUSSIE CLEAR.” Saturate the timber without creating a thick film on top. Coat end grain well, because it absorbs moisture more readily than the board face.
- Watch the surface as it absorbs. Porous or weathered sections may drink in oil quickly, while dense or waxy areas remain glossy. Spread pooling oil into dry areas rather than allowing a shiny layer to cure.
- Remove remaining surface oil after two hours. Wipe excess that is still sitting on the surface at the two-hour point. This step is important: leaving surplus oil can produce tackiness, dirt retention and buildup.
- Inspect after the first application has settled. If the timber still looks dry or the colour is patchy, a further application may be needed. Apply only after the first coat has absorbed sufficiently and follow the current label’s interval.
- Clean tools safely. Preschem lists mineral turpentine for applicator cleanup. Use it with ventilation and keep solvent-soaked rags away from ignition sources and heat; dispose of them according to local hazardous-waste guidance.
How long should Aussie Clear dry before foot traffic?
For decking and areas exposed to foot traffic, the manufacturer’s 11 November 2013 TDS specifies a minimum of 48 hours drying time. Keep the surface unused for at least that long, and extend the period if conditions are cool, humid, shaded or poorly ventilated, or if the timber still feels oily.
A retailer currently states 24 hours for thorough drying, but that conflicts with the manufacturer TDS’s 48-hour minimum for deck traffic. Do not silently average the two figures: the current container label or latest manufacturer instructions should govern. If you cannot verify a newer instruction, use the more conservative 48-hour minimum and confirm the surface is dry before reopening it.
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How much Aussie Clear do you need?
Preschem’s 2013 TDS gives normal coverage of up to 12 m² per litre on dressed timber and up to 8 m² per litre on sawn timber. These are upper figures, not guarantees. Porosity, species, weathering, sanding and the amount absorbed can materially change consumption.
| Surface | Published maximum coverage | Planning implication |
|---|---|---|
| Dressed timber | Up to 12 m²/L | Divide the measured area by 12 for a theoretical minimum, then allow extra for absorption and a possible further application |
| Sawn timber | Up to 8 m²/L | Divide the measured area by 8; rough, open grain generally consumes more oil |
For example, a 30 m² dressed deck has a theoretical first-coat requirement of 2.5 litres (30 ÷ 12). A 30 m² sawn surface has a theoretical requirement of 3.75 litres (30 ÷ 8). Those calculations do not include wastage, end grain, unusually porous boards or a second application, so purchase a practical margin rather than relying on the exact quotient.
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Exterior timber continues to move, weather and absorb moisture after coating. Inspect the surface before it becomes visibly grey or excessively dry. Look for faded colour, dry-looking grain, patchiness and areas that no longer shed light moisture consistently.
The TDS says exposed decks may need reapplication every 6–12 months under extreme conditions. That is a conditional maintenance range, not a universal guarantee. Full sun, harsh weather, frequent washing and heavy foot traffic can shorten the interval; sheltered vertical timber may last longer.
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Before recoating, remove dirt and any loose contamination. Do not keep adding oil over a glossy buildup. Preschem warns that excess surface material can trap dirt or mould, so clean and abrade or strip problematic areas as needed, then allow the timber to dry before applying another controlled coat.
Colour naturally fades with exposure. Reapplication can refresh the appearance, but it will not restore badly degraded wood without cleaning or preparation first.
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Safety, storage and first aid
Preschem’s Safety Data Sheet is dated September 2023, Issue 011. It classifies the material as hazardous under Australian health criteria and includes H302, “Harmful if swallowed,” and H315, “Causes skin irritation.” The older TDS also warns against vapour or spray mist and calls for protective clothing.
- Keep the container out of children’s reach.
- Wear protective clothing and suitable gloves; protect your eyes when pouring, brushing overhead or spraying.
- Avoid breathing vapour and spray mist. Provide strong ventilation, especially in enclosed or partly enclosed areas.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product, and wash exposed skin after work.
- If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. The SDS says to call a doctor or the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- For eye, skin or inhalation exposure, follow the first-aid directions on the current SDS and container label, and obtain medical help when symptoms persist.
Because safety documents can be revised, use the current label and latest SDS supplied with the product rather than relying solely on the September 2023 issue. The product’s 64°C Abel Closed Cup flash point is a technical measurement from the 2013 TDS, not a claim that the coating is fireproof or safe near ignition sources.
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Common problems and how to correct them
The finish is sticky after two days
Likely causes include excess oil left on the surface, cool or humid conditions, poor ventilation, damp timber or waxy wood. Keep traffic off the area, increase ventilation where safe and remove residual surface oil as directed. Do not add another coat until the surface has dried and the label permits it.
The colour is patchy
Patchiness commonly follows uneven preparation or different absorption rates. Dry, weathered boards can absorb more than dense boards. Clean or sand affected areas, blend edges while working wet and apply a controlled additional coat only where the first application remains visibly dry.
The surface attracts dirt or develops mould
Surface buildup is a warning sign, not a reason to apply more oil. Clean the timber, remove excess coating and allow it to dry. Recoat lightly only when the surface is sound and absorbent.
Rain is forecast shortly after application
Do not start if rain or dew is expected. If unexpected rain occurs, keep people off the surface and wait for complete drying before assessing damage. Follow the current label or contact the manufacturer for a recovery procedure rather than trapping moisture beneath another coat.
Aussie Clear compared with a clear varnish or polyurethane
Aussie Clear is a penetrating oil system; clear varnishes and polyurethanes are film-forming coating systems. That distinction affects preparation, appearance, repair and maintenance. An oil can be refreshed by cleaning and controlled reapplication, while a failed film coating may require sanding or stripping back to a stable layer.
The supplied product information does not include a controlled test ranking Aussie Clear against varnish, polyurethane or another exterior oil. Choose by the maintenance system you can follow, the timber tone you want and whether a film or penetrating finish is appropriate for the exposure. Do not apply water-based paint directly over a fresh Aussie Clear coat without confirming compatibility and preparation requirements.
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Practical decision checklist
- Is the timber mid- to dark-tone hardwood? Start with original Aussie Clear; consider a test patch.
- Is it blond to mid-tone timber such as Blackbutt, Silvertop Ash, Cypress or Cedar? Aussie Clear Light is the manufacturer’s intended option.
- Is it CCA, LOSP, ACQ or Tanalised treated pine? Use the specified Treated Pine Clear product instead.
- Has all paint, varnish, wax, grease and dirt been removed?
- Is the timber dry, and is the forecast free of dew and rain?
- Can you keep a deck unused for at least 48 hours unless a newer label gives different instructions?
- Have you allowed for porosity, end grain, wastage and a possible further application when buying material?
- Do you have gloves, protective clothing, ventilation and the current SDS available?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
